Why Slowing Down is Essential for Your Well-Being
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you check off your to-do list, there’s always more? That constant feeling of being on—rushing from one thing to the next, multitasking, and never truly resting?
I understand. We live in a world that rewards productivity and glorifies busyness. But here’s the truth: our bodies and minds weren’t designed to function at full speed all the time. After all we are Human "Beings" not Human "Doings."
I learned this lesson the hard way.
The Moment Life Forced Me to Stop
In October 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It was shocking, like a punch in the stomach that knocked the wind out of me. In an instant, everything changed. My usual routine, my responsibilities, my endless to-do lists—all of it suddenly felt insignificant compared to the reality in front of me.
This wasn’t just a wake-up call; it was a command to stop. To slow down. To reassess. To truly be.
My diagnosis forced me to look at my own lifestyle practices, my stress levels, and the way I had been treating my own body. And the most baffling part? I truly thought I was doing all the “right” things.
I exercised. I ate well. I meditated. I practiced yoga. I prioritized wellness—not just for myself, but as a teacher and coach guiding others on their journeys. Yet, somehow, my body was still asking for deeper care, more attention, more stillness.
This realization was profound. Loving, nourishing, and keeping the body healthy isn’t just about the things we do—it’s about the way we live.
I had to ask myself:
Am I really living the way I want to?
Am I listening to what my body needs, beyond just the physical?
Am I making space for deep rest, joy, and presence—not just movement and discipline?
That’s when I realized that slowing down isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity for healing and thriving.
The Science of Slowing Down
When we’re constantly rushing, our nervous system operates in fight-or-flight mode—a survival response meant to help us react quickly to danger. In small doses, this response is useful, like when you need a burst of energy for a workout or a big presentation. But when we stay in this high-stress state for too long, our body starts to produce excessive amounts of cortisol and adrenaline, leading to:
Exhaustion and burnout. Always being "on" drains your energy reserves, leaving you feeling depleted.
Increased anxiety. A constantly activated stress response makes it harder to relax and be present.
Weakened immune system. Chronic stress suppresses your immune function, making you more susceptible to illness.
Poor sleep quality. When your nervous system is stuck in overdrive, falling asleep and staying asleep becomes difficult.
But the good news is that you have the power to shift out of this cycle.
Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Your Natural Relaxation Response
When we intentionally slow down, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system—also known as the "rest and digest" system. This is the part of our body responsible for deep rest, healing, and restoration.
Here’s what happens when we slow down:
Heart rate and blood pressure lower, creating a sense of calm.
Digestion improves, helping the body absorb nutrients more effectively.
The body shifts into a state of repair, reducing inflammation and improving overall health.
The mind becomes clearer, making space for creativity, presence, and deeper self-awareness.
How I’ve Integrated Slowness Into My Life
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing—it means being intentional with time and energy. Here are a few simple ways I’ve shifted my daily routine to invite more presence and ease into my life:
Mindful Mornings – Every morning, before reaching for my phone or jumping into my to-do list, I take a few moments to sit in silence, sip my hot lemon water, and set an intention for the day. This simple ritual allows me to start my day with presence instead of urgency.
Pause Between Tasks – Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, I practice conscious transitions. Whether I’m moving from teaching a class to answering emails or shifting from work to family time, I take three deep breaths to reset my energy. This helps me stay grounded and avoid overwhelm.
Unplug and Be Present – One of the biggest shifts I made after my breast cancer diagnosis was creating boundaries around technology. I now have dedicated phone-free time in the evening, allowing me to fully engage in conversations, enjoy nature walks, and truly unwind without distractions.
Prioritize Restorative Practices – Yoga nidra, breathwork and meditation have become non-negotiable in my self-care practice. At least once a week, I set aside time to lie down, close my eyes, and guide myself through deep relaxation. This practice has helped me recover from stress, improve sleep, and reconnect with my inner self.
These small but intentional shifts have transformed the way I move through life.
The Gift of Slowing Down
My journey with breast cancer reminded me that life is not a race. Healing, joy, and true well-being come when we give ourselves permission to slow down, breathe deeply, and honor what our bodies and souls truly need.
This week, I invite you to take a step back, breathe deeply, and honor your need for rest. Your body and mind will thank you.
Ready to embrace stillness? Join me for a restorative yoga nidra and sound bath session (offered once a month- in person or online) and give your body & mind the rest they deserve.
If you are ready to make lifestyle changes and shifts join me in one of my weekly Yoga Sessions.
Hello! I'm Madhavi, the Chief Motivating Officer at Prana Health Yoga & Wellness.
I'm here to help you establish a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle to address chronic pain, mental stress, improve your health metrics, and more.
My goal is to assist individuals in leading a happier, stress-free life by making lasting lifestyle changes.
If you're interested in learning how these small adjustments can lead to significant and enduring transformations, reach out to learn more.
I've developed a successful Health and Wellness program that has benefitted all my current clients. Check it out here.
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